The Toon bad boy is currently serving a six-month jail term for assault, and there have been rumours that Bolton might make a move for him on his release.

But Phil Gartside, Bolton's chairman, told Setanta Sports that there is no chance of Wanderers entering into negotiations with Newcastle to take Barton to The Reebok Stadium.

"It's important that we get back to being the homely, family club that we claim to be," said Gartside.

Barton, 25, was found guilty last week of assaulting former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo, for which offence he was given a further four-month sentence - though this one was suspended.